On this episode of The Commentary Booth, host Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey tumble back into the world of the Toros, the Clovers, and the deeply cursed spirit stick to ask the only question that matters: Does this cheerleading classic still hold up?

This iconic cheerleading movie from 2000 starring Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union has aged both brilliantly and problematically, and our hosts aren't holding back. What starts as a trip down memory lane quickly evolves into a deep dive into the film's lasting legacy, its problematic moments through a modern lens, and why it remains a defining teen movie of the 2000s.

In this flashback episode, Jamie and Corrina dissect everything from the film's groundbreaking approach to cultural appropriation and LGBTQ+ representation to its cringeworthy moments that haven't aged well. They explore how this teen comedy inadvertently became a feminist statement piece while still being packed with questionable content like the sexualisation of high schoolers and outdated language.

Highlights Breakdown:

- Aging & Legacy: Does Bring It On hold up? A discussion on its groundbreaking themes (cultural appropriation, all-female leads) versus its many problematic elements (language, stereotypes, sexualisation).

- Cast & Characters: From Kirsten Dunst’s committed silliness to Gabrielle Union’s star-making turn, and the bizarre phenomenon of 30-year-olds playing high schoolers.

- The Problematic Stuff: Unpacking the film’s use of homophobic slurs, body shaming, implied assault, and the infamous "bikini car wash."

- Cheerleading Fact vs. Fiction: Why the movie’s stunts are pure college-level fantasy, the real cost of Cherry Pie rights, and the hidden world of competitive cheer.

- Sequels, Broadway, & Reboots: A rapid-fire tour through the Bring It On cinematic universe and its unlikely transition to a Lin-Manuel Miranda musical.

Whether you’re a die-hard Toros fan, a Clovers loyalist, or just love dissecting the movies of your youth, this episode is a spirited, no-holds-barred celebration and critique of a film that truly brought it.

This week’s episode is brought to you by

Australian Wrestling Cards

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Bring It On Turns 25: Revisiting the Cheer Classic